YOUNG and old alike have the opportunity to sample the Swallows and Amazons experience as Kielder Water Sailing Club makes the most of the latest film release.

The club is preparing to hold a themed open day that taps into all that is best about Arthur Ransome’s novel, published in 1930.

Club secretary Julie Gibbon said: “We’re inviting people to have a go at playing Swallows and Amazons on Kielder Water.

“We’ll sail across to the other side, maybe to the Red Shelter (bay), and then come back for picnic lunches, complete with fruit cake and the drink the characters called grog.

“We want to offer something that will promote sailing while people’s enthusiasm is high when the film comes out.”

Due to be released today, the film will arrive at Hexham’s Forum Cinema on August 26.

Hoping it will whet appetites, club members have lined up two boats that are very similar in style to those in the book for the open day a week later, on Saturday, September 3.

And they firmly believe Kielder Water has something to offer that nowhere else outside of the Lake District does.

“We have so many creeks and sheltered coves to visit; it is much more interesting sailing here than most other places, certainly in the north,” said Julie.

“Depending on where the water mark is can determine which creek you go up and what you will find there, which can be a hidden harbour or a stretch of bulrushes with wildlife in.

“We’ve also got all the art works that are part of the Kielder Art Trail which, again, makes it really interesting to land and explore.”

The sailing itself will be free of charge, but places, which are limited, do have to be booked by emailing juliegibbon@btopenworld.com or ringing her on (01434) 344383.

There will be a charge for the food and drinks.